Library, Civil War Commission to Host Discussion on Douglass and Brown

Tompkins County Public Library, in partnership with the Tompkins County Civil War Sesquicentennial Commemoration Commission, will host “Hiving the Bees: Frederick Douglass and John Brown,” a presentation by Ithaca College Professor Hugh Egan, February 18 at 6 p.m. in the Library’s BorgWarner Community Room.

Egan, a professor of English with a concentration in 19^th century American poetry and prose, will explore the complex relationship between Douglass and Brown, their differing strategies for ending slavery and the balance between political action and inspiring oratory.

This program takes its name from Brown’s personal plea for Douglass’ assistance in the raid on Harper’s Ferry.  “When I strike the bees will begin to swarm, and I shall want you to hive them,” Brown is said to have requested.

Egan’s talk is free and open to the public and is being presented as part of a five-year partnership between the Library and the Civil War Commission to provide opportunities for community conversation and increased awareness about the Civil War.

For more information, contact Carrie Wheeler-Carmenatty at (607) 272-4557 extension 248 or cwheeler@tcpl.org.